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SFUSD board backs ‘Our City, Our Home’ homelessness tax measure, citing student homelessness
Summary
The San Francisco Unified School District Board voted unanimously to support the ‘Our City, Our Home’ gross-receipts tax ballot measure, citing district student homelessness and urging that funds benefit families and youth in SFUSD; the board also heard public testimony from Tenderloin parents and service providers.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education voted Aug. 14 to adopt a resolution supporting the Our City, Our Home gross-receipts tax ballot measure, which would create a half-percent tax on businesses with annual revenues above $50 million to raise funds for housing, behavioral health, prevention and shelter services in San Francisco.
Commissioner Matt Haney, the author of the resolution, read its text to the board, citing district data that nearly 1 in 25 SFUSD students were identified as homeless in 2015–16 and referenced national and state reports documenting the impact of homelessness on children’s education and well-being.
The measure as described in the resolution would generate approximately $300 million annually; at least 50 percent — about $150 million — would be prioritized for housing (construction, rehab, operating subsidies), 25 percent for mental-health and substance-abuse services, up to 12 percent for homelessness prevention (legal assistance, subsidies), and up to 10 percent for shelter and navigation-center beds and hygiene services.
Public comment: Multiple speakers — including Tenderloin residents and parents — addressed the board in support of the resolution. Jack Rice, a Tenderloin resident, thanked the district for supporting Proposition C and urged the board to back the measure for students living in unstable housing. Jordan Davis and others described personal and family experiences of homelessness and urged the board to support measures that keep families housed.
Board debate and vote: Commissioners expressed broad support, citing the measure’s alignment with district priorities to reduce chronic absenteeism and support vulnerable students. Commissioner Norton said she remained undecided on a final personal stance and had voted earlier against suspending rules to allow more analysis; however, at the resolution vote the full board approved the resolution by roll call (7–0).
What the resolution says the district will do: The resolution expresses SFUSD’s support for the ballot measure and urges that district students and families be prioritized in fund distribution and implementation planning. Several commissioners also said the district should be actively involved in program design if the measure passes.
Implementation notes: The resolution is an expression of support; it does not bind district finances. Commissioners discussed coordination with city agencies and community partners to make sure funds allocated to homeless services reach students and families served by the district.
Vote tally (as read at the meeting): Cook — Yes; Haney — Yes; Dr. Marasci — Aye; Norton — Yes; Sanchez — Yes; Walton — Yes; Mendoza McDonald — Yes.
